Systematic analysis of low/hard state RXTE spectra of GX 339–4 to constrain the geometry of the system

One of the popular models for the low/hard state of black hole binaries is that the standard accretion disk is truncated and the hot inner region produces, via Comptonization, hard X-ray flux.This is supported by the value of the high energy photon index, which is often found to be small,～ 1.7( 2), implying that the hot medium is starved of seed photons. On the other hand, the suggestive presence of a broad relativistic Fe line during the hard state would suggest that the accretion disk is not truncated but extends all the way to the innermost stable circular orbit. In such a case, it is a puzzle why the hot medium would remain photon starved. The broad Fe line should be accompanied by a broad smeared reflection hump at ～ 30 ke V and it may be that this additional component makes the spectrum hard and the intrinsic photon index is larger, i.e. 2. This would mean that the medium is not photon deficient, reconciling the presence of a broad Fe line in the observed hard state. To test this hypothesis,we have analyzed the RXTE observations of GX 339–4 from the four outbursts during 2002–2011 and identify observations when the system was in the hard state and showed a broad Fe line. We have then attempted to fit these observations with models, which include smeared reflection, to understand whether the intrinsic photon index can indeed be large. We find that, while for some observations the inclusion of reflection does increase the photon index, there are hard state observations with a broad Fe line that have photon indices less than 2.     

Zoning and monitoring dominant mangrove communities of a part of The Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh

Mangroves of the Marine National Park constitute the second largest patch of mangroves in Gujarat, extending up to 11,000 ha, comprising six species of mangroves. Earlier studies carried out using remote sensing data pertained to baseline data generation and mapping and monitoring the mangroves (density-wise) of the Park from 1975 to 1993. Using IRS IC/ID LISS III data (1998–2001) supported by ground data, the distribution of different mangrove communities in the Park has been attempted. Amongst various image-processing techniques, band ratioing followed by supervised classification gave the best result (classification accuracy was 92%).Avicennia community is the most dominant community accounting for more than 70% of the area. TheRhizophora community occupies the inward margins of the creeks and theCeriops community is present in the interior regions. The ecotone between the marsh and mangrove communities has been identified as the transitional mangroves (Avicennia alba, Sueada), representing the transition from the less saline mangrove to the highly saline marsh community. The zoning of the mangroves has also helped in assessing the diversity of the region. Based on the richness of species, three areas, namely Bhains Bid, North-east Dide Ka Bet and South-east Chhad Island have been identified as highly diverse (most suitable area for preservation).     

Eco-Geomorphological zonation of The Bangaram Reef, Lakshadweep

Coral reefs, which are known for rich biological diversity and productivity, are being threatened throughout the world by various natural and anthropogenic activities. The present study concentrates on establishing methodology to zone the geo-morphological and ecological zones of the Bangaram reef (of atoll type), Lakshadweep islands, using remotely sensed data and adequately supported by field data. Classification system has been evolved to zone the reefs. Comparative studies have also been carried out using image processing techniques in order to establish the suitable technique for studying the Indian reefs. The IRS LISS III images representing three different tidal conditions of the period 1998-2000 were analyzed. The unsupervised classification of both the raw images as well as principal component images gave similar information. The classified product was subjected to contextual editing. Misclassification among various classes was found to increase with the increase in the depth of the water column present over the reef. The zones identified on the image are central deep lagoon, reef knolls (rising steeply from the central deep lagoon floor), reef edge, reef platform, coralline shelf, broad shallow sandy-bottomed lagoon, beach and two islets. The zonation has helped in getting information on the presence of live corals on the Bangaram reef. This kind of study is a valuable input in assessing the health of the reefs and its diversity.     

Soil void ratio correlation with shear wave velocities and SPT N values for Indo-Gangetic basin

In this study attempt has been made to understand in-situ void ratio in Indo-Gangetic basin (IGB) and to form empirical relations between void ratio and shear wave velocity (V_s), N values considering subsoil investigation data. Multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) test and standard penetration test was carried out along with soil property measured at 25 locations. The general soil profile varied from silty sand to clay of low compressibility, ground water level fluctuated between 1-27 m, depth of borehole varied from 20-40 m. Regression analysis was conducted on 202 data sets of void ratio and shear wave velocity, 293 data sets of void ratio and SPT- N value, which resulted in inverse correlations between void ratio and V_s, SPT N value. The datas were segregated into fine, coarse grained data based on engineering classification and relations were developed separately. Until now, no studies have related in-situ void ratio to V_s and SPT N. These correlations will be useful to predict void ratio for sites having measured values of V_s and N value. These void ratios can be further used to assess liquefaction susceptibility.     

Lamprey (Geotria australis; Agnatha) reddening syndrome in Southland rivers,New Zealand 2011–2013: laboratory findings and epidemiology,including the incidental detection of an atypical Aeromonas salmonicida

From 2011, lamprey (Geotria australis) populations in Southland, New Zealand have been affected by reddening along the length of the body and increased mortalities, termed lamprey reddening syndrome (LRS). Molecular testing, bacteriology, histopathology and epidemiology were used to determine if an infectious agent was present and to increase the understanding of this syndrome. An atypical Aeromonas salmonicida was detected from affected lamprey in 2011. This organism has not previously been reported from New Zealand. Investigative molecular testing indicated the organism was an uncharacterised, unculturable, atypical A. salmonicida and a likely incidental finding. Histopathology did not indicate an infectious process was involved, but suggested the reddening may be due to blunt trauma. Epidemiological investigation found the Mokoreta River had a significantly higher prevalence of LRS than others in the Southland region, but there was no clear reason why. To date, no infectious aetiology for this syndrome has been identified.     

Bianchi Type I Magnetized String Cosmological Model in General Relativity

Bianchi Type I magnetized string cosmological model following the techniques used by Letelier and Stachel, is investigated. To get a determinate model, we assume a condition ∊ = λ (geometric string) where ∊ is the rest energy density, λ the string tension density and expansion (θ) is proportional to eigen value σ₁ ¹ of shear tensor (σ _j ⁱ ), which leads to A = ℓ (BC) ⁿ where A, B, C are metric potentials and ℓ and n are constants. The behaviour of the model in presence and absence of magnetic field is discussed. The physical and geometrical aspects of the model are also discussed.